Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart says he would boycott a Lionel Messi tribute if the forward made his farewell conditional on Joan Laporta leaving office. He has urged Messi to return to Camp Nou regardless of who leads the club.

Gaspart made the comments on the Solo para cules podcast. Messi has not publicly confirmed that his farewell depends on Laporta leaving office.

What Joan Gaspart Said About Messi's Camp Nou Farewell

Gaspart, who served as Barcelona president from 2000 to 2003, praised Messi as the best player in the world but insisted that the club was bigger than any individual. He also warned the forward to be careful.

Gaspart's criticism centred on the reported tension between Messi and Laporta. He argued that the forward should not let his relationship with the president determine whether he returns to Camp Nou for a farewell.

“Who does he think he is?” Gaspart asked, adding that he would not attend a tribute if Messi made his return conditional on Laporta's departure.

Reports differ on whether Messi has made his farewell conditional on Laporta leaving office. The distinction matters because Gaspart's comments do not establish that Messi has personally imposed such a condition.

Gaspart said he was willing to give Messi more time but warned that his patience would not last indefinitely.

Why Lionel Messi Left Barcelona Without a Camp Nou Farewell

Messi left Barcelona in August 2021 after the club was unable to register a new contract under La Liga's financial rules. He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain.

He remains Barcelona's all-time leading scorer, with 672 goals in 778 appearances. His departure was marked by an emotional farewell press conference at the Auditori 1899. It was the club's formal farewell to Messi following his departure in 2021.

In November 2025, Messi made an unannounced visit to Camp Nou and shared the experience on Instagram. He said he hoped to return one day, “not just to say goodbye as a player”, reflecting on his departure without a farewell at the stadium.

Messi's relationship with Laporta has remained a point of discussion since his departure in 2021. Laporta has described their relationship as “correct” and said Barcelona wants to organise a tribute for Messi.

What Barcelona Has Said About Messi's Camp Nou Tribute

Laporta was re-elected as Barcelona president in March 2026, reportedly receiving around 68% of the votes cast.

After the election, Laporta said Messi would remain connected to the club and deserved both a tribute match and a statue.

Barcelona has said a tribute will depend on the completion of the stadium renovations and an agreement with Messi and his family. The club has not announced a date for the ceremony, so its timing remains unconfirmed.